Our first stop was Cedar Key Museum State Park. One strike against me! I did not do my homework well enough; the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Yep, today is Tuesday. Oh well, no one cared we looked around, gained some Cedar Key knowledge, hiked to the water’s edge, and had fun.
Cedar Keys consists of a group of six islands with Ways Key being the most populated. According to the 2010 census the population is 702 individuals. Evidence indicates that the area was populated as far back as 500 B.C. During the civil war, the confederates used Cedar Key to produce salt which was an important factor in the preservation of meat. Surrounded by water hurricanes and storms have destroyed the area numerous times. The Eagle Pencil Company was established and provided a solid economic base for the area. Unfortunately, in 1896 a hurricane destroyed the factory causing them to close. But the people have survived thanks to the clam industry. With the smell of clam bags in the air, today Cedar Key boosts the largest clam industry in the US.
Whitman House |
...it's only a one holer |
Salt Kettle |
Great friends...having fun |
Tony's Seafood Restaurant |
The famous chowder |
After a wonderful lunch we walked some more. Unfortunately the day was cool and overcast but we were able to walk along Dock Street window shopping. Cedar key is known as an Artist’s Mecca with store after store displaying wonderful eclectic merchandise.
Information post |
Shops and restaurants suspended above the Gulf |
Cedar Key Museum |
...all about the fishing |
Everyone is welcome |
Downtown streets & stores |
On the way home we decided to check out Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve for a final hike of the day. And of course the clouds have moved off and the sun has come out. What a wonderful hike, walking and talking enjoying the sun. We get to an intersection, we stop, all look at one another with a “which way do we go”. Did anyone pick up a map? Nope! Well hold on I took a picture of the preserve trails so let’s take a look.
Can you see me in the reflection taking the picture |
The skies finally cleared for a wonderful walk through the forest |
We've got a couple of cans of Tony's famous clam chowder in the pantry. Great for a cold day.
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